Outfit of the day!

Hi guys,

I used this outfit out and about in London today. One of my favourite outfits of the year so far <3.
Do you guys like it?
Top is from new look, jeans are H&M, shoes are clarks, no idea where my bag is from and scarf from new look.

I love this look because it's simple but not simple at the same time. I have worn this outfit in loads of different places and I love the way my socks just peep out from under my brogues! I love the blue of my jeans and the fur on my hood.

My everyday essentials!

Hi guys,

Today I thought I'd tell you all about what I carry in my bag every single day to prepare me for anything! It's important to carry things that keep you safe, happy and organised and I love packing my bag the night before it helps me feel in control! I didn't used to really think about packing my bag but after numerous attempts at scraping together my things on rushed mornings for school I decided to start keeping an organised checklist of everything I need. Today I am also going to tell you why I have each item.

1. Sunglasses- these are essential for me, especially in the summer. I really like these ones as they are quite big and make me feel like a celebrity.
2. Skull candy Headphones- I love listening to music while travelling, walking or running. It can completely change my mood.
3. Grey accessorise purse with oyster card in- I like keeping my oyster separate as I use it so much and this purse is so cute!
4. (I think) Accessorise bracelet- This delicate beautiful bracelet can transform an outfit from day to night so I love keeping it on me for unexpected dinner dates.
5. Red make up bag- this is so useful as it has lots of different compartments and carries all my beauty products.
6. Keys- an obvious one. I have both my house keys and locker keys on there and various cute key rings that I've collected over time.
7. Raspberry Ripple lip couture lipgloss- love this colour on me it's so fun.
8. The Body shop hemp lip conditioner- This thing is my saviour. Hands down the best chapstick I've ever tried. It has such intense moisturising properties so is perfect for people like me with dry lips. Especially is winter when my skin gets very dry this is needed.
9. Number seven shine free make up base- I love using this instead of a primer and/or moisturiser because it really stops my shine and gives me a matte finish.
10. Seventeen stay time long wear primer- This primer has a bit of colour in it so I often use this instead of foundation or BB cream on hot summer days- it's also perfect under other makeup to keep it in place.
11. Me Eyebrow/eyelash brush- seriously  needed to tame my unruly brows.
12. Pink ravel watch- essential for sports or exams when I don't have my phone on me.
13. Nude accessorise purse- the most important thing in my bag as it has literally everything in; money in notes and change, all of my cards including debit card and shopping cards (Starbucks is most important), my railcard (never forget that they charge you £60!), My gym card,spare keys, library receipts, ordinary receipts, coupons the list goes on...

Of course I didn't put it in the picture but I also carry with me my gold I phone 5s with me everywhere.

Layla

Bean stir fry recipe

Hi guys!

Today I thought I'd share with you a new recipe that I tried the other day that is both delicious and super filling. Perfect for a warm summer night or a midday meal this recipe is so versatile- you can substitute the vegetables I've used with others. I used courgettes when I made it last night for example. This recipe serves two.

Ingredients:

For the vegetables:

1 can of baked beans in tomato sauce.

1 red pepper

1 stick of celery

1/2 onion.

For the marinade:

4 tablespoons of dark soy sauce.

4 tablespoons of honey.

The juice and zest of one lemon.

Pinch of chilli powder.

2 garlic cloves, chopped.

Some rapeseed oil for frying.

Method:

1. Pour some rapeseed oil into a saucepan over a medium heat and add the pepper, celery and onion when it is hot.

2. While the vegetables are cooking mix together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, lemon and chilli powder together in a bowl and set aside. This is your marinade.

3. Drain the beans of tomato sauce and rinse. Pour marinade over beans and leave for 5-10 minutes.

4. While this is happening cook the rice by putting it in boiling water for 15 minutes.

5. Drain the beans of marinade and put straight into a hot pan with oil already in it.

6. Sieve the remaining marinade to ensure there are no large chunks of garlic or any beans. Add marinade to vegetables to cook for 5 minutes.

7. When the beans and marinade have been cooking for 5 minutes place them onto the rice and add a few handfuls of spinach on top. 

Serve and enjoy!

I love this recipe and I think it's the small amount of chilli powder combined with the sweetness of the honey that makes it so good!

Layla

A level choices

Hi guys!

I've been thinking lately about my decisions for A levels as I will start them in September. At the moment I have chosen double maths, physics and history but I've been having some second thoughts. I like maths but after recently doing additional maths I felt like it was super difficult and that I will struggle with double maths next year. What I would ideally like to do is study Spanish instead of double maths. To be honest I'm not really sure about anything and these GCSE's are just making me feel stupid!

I know that GCSE's don't shape your whole life but for me, someone who is always striving for the best I feel like I need all A stars. Just finished a physics exam which didn't go that well but I'm glad it's over. Just one more left now.

Better go do my stuff.

Layla

Argh...

Feeling really annoyed right now. Why are parents so annoying? Why does my mum feel the need to control every aspect of my life? I know I'm just being a stupid teenager right now but honestly I just get sick of it.

I live alone with my mum so it can be hard sometimes. I feel like everywhere I go she's there. I can't escape her. Of course I love her but we never have any time apart. Anyway. Currently listening to echo smith. Yay.

So excited about prom next week though! I still need to get a dress and get my hair and eyebrows done so I look perfect. On a diet at the moment to try and lose five pounds before prom but I doubt that will happen.

Should probably get some physics revision done now - I have an exam in the morning!

Layla

Approaching the end...

Hi guys!

I've almost finished my exams now which is super exciting . I am literally so ready for summer. It feels so strange to think that I will be in sixth form next year. I will be seventeen this year. That probably doesn't sound so life-changing to you but I cannot believe it. Seems like yesterday I was running around primary school with my friends but now I have to have actual ambitions and actual responsibilities. I'd like to go into some sort of science-I'm not sure what yet but at uni I'd like to study the history and philosophy of science and physics. Yes that is a course.

Anyway I haven't got any exams today but I have class at 9 and 2 so will be moving about quite a bit. I need to get some physics revision done for my exam on Friday. Also turns out my card has been used by someone else so I'm being sent a new one which is annoying.

Off to school now

Layla

I'm moving!

Wow. I never thought this would actually happen but in less than two months I will be moving to Portsmouth to live with my Dad for two years. I'm so excited to start a new life and spend more time with my Dad and step-mum. It will be so different but I can't wait.

Starting a new school will probably be the hardest thing for me. I have so many loving friends in London that I don't know how I will live without. Now with my final day of school near approaching it's all starting to feel very real. Of course I'll miss my mum too but she'll continue being in my life where as I worry my friends will drift away from me.

I've always craved that movie scene type life where you rock up to school in your mini jeep and spend your days arguing your way to good grades and your nights playing matchmaker (major Clueless feels).  I just hope this will be a place where I can finally experience real teenage life.

I know life is real and not a movie but sometimes I look at my life and think God how boring. The most exciting part of my day is when I finish my homework and can flick between films on Netflix for longer than the actual film lasts for. I'm going to try to vow to make the next chapter in my life fun, carefree and challenging. The way teenage life should be.

Layla